Composer’s Notes

 

Concert Band, Grade 3

Duration: 4 minutes

 

Roger Vinton Snow’s “State of Maine Song” was written as part of a competition held in 1931 by the Maine Publicity Bureau. As the winner, it was officially adopted as the state song in 1937. Snow’s original music contained only one verse and a chorus which I stumbled upon while writing the Dirigo Suite (in which I used the chorus). Although the only recording available was a midi rendition, I felt that the existing music was very march-like and had a lot of potential to be performed in that form. So I set myself the task of writing an original second strain, breakstrain, and counter-melodic lines that would both fit the traditional American march style and complement Snow's melodic content.​

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The words to Roger Vinton Snow’s “State of Maine Song” are as follows:

 

Verse (1st Strain)

Grand State of Maine,

proudly we sing

To tell your glories to the land,

To shout your praises till the echoes ring.

Should fate unkind

send us to roam,

The scent of the fragrant pines,

the tang of the salty sea

Will call us home.

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Chorus (Trio)

Oh, Pine Tree State,

Your woods, fields and hills,

Your lakes, streams and rock bound coast

Will ever fill our hearts with thrills,

And tho' we seek far and wide

Our search will be in vain,

To find a fairer spot on earth

Than Maine! Maine! Maine!

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The State of Maine Song March was premiered in May 2024 by the Sanford High School Band and guest conducted by the composer. A shorter adaptation of the march was premiered in April 2024 by the Westbrook High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Kyle Smith.